Alan Zhang

Alan Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Management Division at Columbia Business School. He uses ethnographic and historical methods to study how organizations pursue aspirational achievements that exceed existing capabilities and/or institutional arrangements. His research examines the ways in which societal perceptions affect the technical and relational work in such organizations, and the ways by which organizations reshape societal perceptions in support of their work. Current research projects explore fine wine production, fusion energy engineering, planetary mapping, and the creation of the nationwide 911 emergency system.   

Before joining Columbia Business School, Alan completed his PhD and MS in Management (MIT Sloan), MS in Customer Analytics (WashU), and a BA in Neuroscience and Healthcare Management (WashU).